Tiltable loading system and extendable platform for transferring cargo

ABSTRACT

A device and method for transferring cargo are disclosed, including transferring cargo between an aft-loading aircraft and a ground transportation vehicle. In one embodiment, the invention may include a tilt frame, a transfer bed, and an adjustable carriage. The tilt frame may be pivotally engaged to a vehicle chassis where the tilt frame has a first end near the cab of the vehicle and a second end distal from the cab. The transfer bed may have a first end connected to the tilt frame and may be movable along an upper surface of the tilt frame. The adjustable height carriage may support a second end of the transfer bed. The transfer bed may be leveled at varying heights by moving the first end of the transfer bed along the upper surface of the tilt frame, and by varying the height of the carriage.

This application is a divisional of prior application Ser. No.11/470,351 filed on Sep. 6, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,901,174 (“theParent Case”).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method fortransferring cargo, including transferring cargo between an aircraft anda ground transportation vehicle. The invention allows for thetransferring of cargo in a number of scenarios and environments,including accounting for spatial restraints imposed by the structure ofaft-loading aircraft

Cargo transferring systems are known for transferring aircraft cargo,such as containers, equipment and vehicles, to and from groundtransportation vehicles, such as trucks and trailers. Two suchtransferring systems are available from Stewart & Stevenson of Sealy,Texas, and are known as the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV)Loading Handling System and the Medium Tactical Truck Demonstrator(MTTD). These transferring systems employ L-arm hoist assemblies and/oroverhead booms which require a substantial amount of overhead clearance,rendering them unsuitable for transferring aircraft cargo given theconfining spatial envelope caused by the presence of the aircraft, andthe elevated aircraft loading ramp. Such cargo transferring systems mayalso employ beds which may not load evenly with the aircraft loadingramp.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a transferringapparatus and method for quickly and efficiently transferring aircraftcargo within the spatial constraints caused by the presence of theaircraft and/or an elevated aircraft loading ramp.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be used to transfer cargo, includingtransferring cargo between an aft-loading aircraft and a groundtransportation vehicle, while operating within the spatial envelope ofthe aircraft and an elevated loading ramp. This is generallyaccomplished by securing and moving the cargo in a manner that allowsfor generally horizontal movement of the cargo as it is transferredwithin the spatial envelope.

A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a tilt frame, atransfer bed, and an adjustable height carriage. The tilt frame ispivotally engaged to a vehicle chassis, and has a first end near the cabof the vehicle and a second end distal from the cab. The transfer bedhas a first end movable along the upper surface of the tilt frame. Theadjustable height carriage supports the second end of the transfer bed.The transfer bed may be leveled at varying heights by varying at leastone: the height of the carriage; and the height of the first end of thetransfer bed by moving it along the upper surface of the tilt frame.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention includes a pivoting tiltframe and a transfer bed. The pivoting tilt frame is supported by thevehicle chassis. The transfer bed is pivotally connected at a first endto the tilt frame, and has a second end in engaged communication with aloading dock of an aircraft. The invention allows the cargo from theaircraft to be received by the transfer bed, and also allows the cargoto be transported from the transfer bed into the aircraft. The transferbed includes an upper surface on which the cargo rests, and the uppersurface of the transfer bed is capable of selective height adjustmentrelative to the ground.

One method of practicing the invention includes the steps of (A)pivotally raising a first end of a tilt frame engaged to the vehiclechassis, (B) leveling a transfer bed by at least one of: (i) moving afirst end of the transfer bed along an upper surface of the tilt frame;and (ii) adjusting the height of a carriage supporting the second end ofthe transfer bed until the transfer bed is level; (C) pulling the cargoonto a second end of the transfer bed; (D) pulling the transfer bed ontothe tilt frame; and (E) lowering the tilt frame.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will be, or will become, apparent to one having ordinary skillin the art upon examination of the following drawings and detaileddescription. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods,features, and advantages be included within this description, be withinthe scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanyingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features which are characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, togetherwith further objects and attendant advantages thereof, can be betterunderstood by reference to the following description taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aircraft having an aft-loading ramp,and a preferred embodiment of the transferring system of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the transferring system and the aft-loadingaircraft of FIG. 1, including the tilt frame and transfer bed portionsof the transferring system;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tilt frame and transfer bed portionsof the transferring system of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the transferring system illustrating the lateralflexibility associated with the use of a tilt frame trolley having ameshing wheel (partially hidden) which connects to the transfer bed;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred Rapid Attach™ containerinterface (RACI) device of the transferring system of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6A is a first perspective view of the RACI of FIG. 5 showing theopen RACI positioned over one side of the corner fitting of a shippingcontainer;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of another side of the corner fitting of ashipping container,

FIG. 6C is a second perspective view of the RACI of FIG. 5 showing theopen RACI over the corner fitting of the shipping container;

FIG. 7A is a third perspective view of the RACI of FIG. 5 showing theclosed RACI over the corner fitting of the shipping container,

FIG. 7B is a fourth perspective view of the RACI of FIG. 5 showing theclosed RACI over the corner fitting of the shipping container,

FIG. 8 is a side view of the closed RACI of FIG. 5, illustrating theattachment of a bracket and a strap;

FIG. 9 is a first perspective view of the RACI of FIG. 5, shown duringthe loading of the shipping container onto the transfer bed of FIGS.1-4;

FIG. 10 is a second perspective view of the RACI of FIG. 5, shown duringthe loading of the shipping container onto the transfer bed of FIGS.1-4;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the meshing wheel of FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the meshing wheel on the trolley ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 13A is an exploded bottom perspective view of the meshing wheel ofFIGS. 11 and 12 illustrating the connection to the transfer bed of FIG.3;

FIG. 13B is a top perspective view of the meshing wheel of FIGS. 11 and12 illustrating the connection to the transfer bed of FIG. 3;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the lilt frame and trolley of FIG. 12in a first position on the tilt frame of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the tilt frame and trolley of FIG. 12in a second position on the tile frame of FIGS. 1-4;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are bottom perspective views of a retractable pintledevice associated with the transfer bed of FIGS. 1-4;

FIGS. 17A-17C are sequential side views illustrating how cargo may betransferred from an aircraft, as shown in FIG. 2, to the chassis of avehicle; and

FIGS. 18A-18D are sequential side views illustrating how cargo may betransferred front the ground to the transfer bed of FIGS. 3 and 4.

The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of thepresent invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designatecorresponding parts throughout the several views.

DEFINITION OF CLAIM TERMS

The following terms are used in the claims of the patent as filed andare intended to have their broadest meaning consistent with therequirements of law. Where alternative meanings are possible, thebroadest meaning is intended. All words used in the claims are intendedto be used in the normal, customary usage of grammar and the Englishlanguage.

In the claims, the “tilt frame” is any structure capable of supportingcargo loaded on a transfer bed, and that pivots on a vehicle chassis.

In the claims, “transfer bed” is any structure capable of heightadjustment that supports cargo being transferred from a loading ramp ordock, and that may at least partially overlie and be supported by a tiltframe.

In the claims, “spatial envelope” refers to the area surrounding andadjacent to the loading ramp of an aircraft and beneath its tail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Set forth below is a description of what are believed to be thepreferred embodiments and/or best examples of the invention claimed.Future and present alternatives and modifications to the preferredembodiments are contemplated. Any alternatives or modifications whichmake insubstantial changes in function, in purpose, in structure, or inresult are intended to be covered by the claims of this patent.

The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method fortransferring cargo. The invention allows for the transfer of cargo in anumber of scenarios and environments. Applications for the inventioninclude transferring cargo between an aircraft and a groundtransportation vehicle, and from the ground to the ground transportationvehicle. The invention provides for accomplishing such tasks within thespatial constraints imposed by military aircraft. For example,central-body loading military aircraft, such as the C-17 and C-130,provide problematic spatial constraints associated with an aft-loadingramp beneath the tail portion of the aircraft. The present inventionaddresses the problems associated with the prior art L-arm hoistassemblies and/or overhead booms which have been found to undesirablyconflict with the spatial constraints associated with aircraft such asthe C-17 and C-130.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are provided below inwhich the cargo is transferred to and from the aircraft in a morehorizontal manner. These new methods and systems for transferring cargomay use a number of new devices and steps, such as but not limited to:(1) a new device and method for engaging the cargo (see the RACIdescription and FIGS. 5-10); (2) a new device and method fortransferring the cargo between the aircraft and ground transportationvehicle, including a tilt frame and retractable transfer bed; (3) a newdevice and method for leveling the transfer bed; and (4) a new deviceand method for engaging and moving the transfer bed in relationship tothe chassis of the ground transportation vehicle.

In brief, cargo 28 (FIG. 1) may be loaded onto vehicle chassis 18 a fromany location using the retractable deck combination formed by tilt frame24 and transfer bed 26. Cargo 28, which may take the form of a shippingcontainer 28 a (FIG. 2), may be engaged using a Rapid Attach™ Acontainer interface (RACI) mechanism 50 (FIG. 5). RACI 50 and cargo 28 amay be pulled onto transfer bed 26 via straps 70 (FIGS. 8-10) andtransfer bed trolley 26 b (FIG. 3). Transfer bed 26, with cargo 28 a,may be pulled onto tilt frame 24 using meshing wheel 32 (FIGS. 4,11-13B) that pivotally attaches transfer bed 26 to tilt frame 24.Meshing wheel 32 may be mounted on tilt frame trolley 24 a (FIGS. 2 and4) and secured to a forward portion of transfer bed 26 (as shown in FIG.4). Tilt frame trolley 24 a and meshing wheel 32 may then travel forwardand/or upward on an upper surface 24 k (FIG. 3) of tilt frame 24 untilcargo container 2 k rests on vehicle chassis 18 a. Cargo 28 may also betransferred between vehicle 18 and aircraft loading ramp 10 b (FIG. 2)using the retractable deck combination formed by tilt frame 24 andtransfer bed 26, where transfer bed 26 is adjustable to the height ofloading ramp 10 b.

Provided below is a more detailed description of the cargo transfersystem, including subsections providing more detailed descriptions ofRACI 50, meshing wheel 32, and various methods of operating the cargotransfer system. This description and the references to “preferred” and“new” devices and steps are intended to provide context and informationassociated with the cargo transfer system, without limiting the claimswhich are set forth separately after this detailed description.

Cargo Transfer System

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, an aircraft 10 and portions oftransferring system 20 are shown. FIG. 1 shows an aircraft 10 having aloading ramp 10 b, in this case an aft-loading ramp, vehicle 18, andportions of the transferring system 20, including tilt frame 24 andtransfer bed 26. In FIG. 1, cargo 28 is shown moving in the directionindicated by arrow 14 from the cargo bay 10 a of aircraft 10 to transferbed 26.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of aircraft 10 on the ground 12 and shows tiltframe 24 and transfer bed 26 in a typical configuration for the transferof cargo 28 between aircraft 10 and vehicle chassis 18 a. In someembodiments, transferring system 20 includes vehicle chassis 18 a, tiltframe 24, and transfer bed 26. In additional embodiments, transferringsystem 20 includes methods for transferring cargo 28 from aircraft 10,to transfer bed 26, and then onto vehicle classis 18 a.

Referring to FIG. 2, loading ramp 10 b is hinged to aircraft 10 at hingepoint 10 c. Loading ramp 10 b may be used to access cargo bay 10 a ofaircraft 10. The floor (not shown) of cargo bay 10 a may beapproximately 32 inches above ground 12 in the case of a C-130 aircraft,and approximately 62 inches above ground 12 in the case of a C-17aircraft, so it is preferable to provide a loading device which canaccommodate a loading ramp having heights of at least this variance.Cargo bay 10 a may include “roll on/roll off” rollers (not shown butknown to those having ordinary skill in the art) for efficient handlingof cargo pallets. Loading ramp 10 b may be hydraulically operated andmay also include features for efficiently transferring cargo, such asthe “roll on/roll off” rollers.

The distance between loading ramp 10 b and the top of cargo bay 10 apresents spatial impediments to the efficient loading and unloading ofaircraft 10. In addition, the distance between ground 12 and the tailportion of aircraft 10 presents spatial impediments to the efficientloading and unloading of aircraft 10. For example, in the case of aC-130 aircraft, unloading equipment with a winch and hook is problematicbecause there is only about 102 inches of usable distance between theend of ramp 10 b and the top of aircraft bay 10 a when ramp 10 b islevel with the floor of cargo bay 10 a (allowing 6 inches of clearanceat the top of the bay 10 a). Also, in the case of a C-130 aircraft, theusable width of the bay is approximately 105 inches (allowing 6 incheson each side and allowing for the permanently installed rail system (notshown) in the bay 10 b). In the case of a C-17 aircraft, there is onlyabout 142 inches of usable distance between the end of ramp 10 b and thetop of aircraft bay 10 a when ramp 10 b is level with the floor of cargobay 10 a (allowing 6 inches of ceiling clearance). Also, in the case ofa C-17 aircraft, the usable width of the bay is approximately 196 inches(allowing 6 inches of wall clearance). Although the dimensionalimpediments are described herein in regard to aircraft 10, similardimensional impediments exist in regard to transporting cargo to andfrom other transporting crafts, such as, but not limited to, otheraircraft, ships, and trucks.

Ideally, cargo 28 may be transferred between aircraft 10 and vehiclechassis 18 a where neither the cargo nor the transferring system exceeda spatial envelope defined by: (a) a ceiling at the height of thetransom above ramp 10 b; (b) a width slightly less than the width oframp 10 b, for example, in the case of a C-130, a width of 105 incheswhich is slightly less than the width of the ramp on a C-130, with thewidth co-centered with ramp 10 b; and (c) a length sufficient to allowclearance, and a margin for error, to prevent cargo 28 and equipment fortransferring the cargo, from striking aircraft 10. For example, in thecase of a C-130, the length sufficient to allow clearance is 30 feetfrom hinge point 10 c to the rear of aircraft 10. Ideally, both cargo 28and the equipment used to transfer cargo 28 remain within the spatialenvelope as cargo 28 is transferred between aircraft 10 and vehiclechassis 18 a.

Transferring system 20 may be used to efficiently load and unload cargo28 to and from aircraft 10 and other cargo transports while remainingwithin the spatial envelope. Vehicle chassis 18 a may be a variety ofvehicle chassis, such as virtually any Class 7 or Class 8 truck chassis,such as but not limited to the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicle (FMTV)chassis. Vehicle chassis 18 a may be mounted on any vehicle 18 capableof sustaining the weight of cargo 28 and transferring system 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, tilt frame 24 may be attached at a generally forwardportion to chassis 18 a via cylinder 30 between attachment point 30 aand attachment point 30 b. Cylinder 30 may raise and lower tilt frame 24such that tilt frame 24 pivots near the back of vehicle chassis 18 a. Inaddition to using a cylinder 30, tilt frame 24 may be attached tovehicle chassis 18 a in a variety of manners, such as but not limitedto, those described in U.S. Pat. Nos.: 5,779,431; 6,817,825; and6,520,736, which are each fully incorporated herein by reference.

Tilt frame 24 may be attached to transfer bed 26 in a manner that allowsthe generally forward portion of transfer bed 26 to travel along theupper surface 24 k of tilt frame 24. One manner of allowing such travelis by using a tilt frame trolley 24 a and an associated meshing wheel 32(FIG. 11) as described in greater detail below with regard to FIGS. 4and 11-15.

Again referring to FIG. 2, transfer bed 26 may include adjustablecarriage 34. Adjustable carriage 34 may include rear wheels 34 a,support struts 34 b, and support posts 34 c. The height of adjustablecarriage 34 may be adjusted through a number of adjustable mechanisms,such as but not limited to, a hydraulic mechanism that changes thedistance between the upper surface 26 n (see FIG. 3) of transfer bed 26and rear wheels 34 a. The adjustable mechanism permits cargo 28 transferto/from several different heights of loading platforms, not limited tovarious aircraft loading ramps 10 b. If desirable, the wheels 34 a ondifferent sides of the transfer bed 26 may act independently for thepurpose of leveling the transfer bed 26 with ramps 10 b about the rollaxis 26 s (see FIG. 3). For example, the independent adjustmentmechanisms may be used to level the upper surface 26 n with the ramp 26b on ground 12, even if the ground 12 is uneven.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, vehicle chassis 18 a, tilt frame 24, andtransfer bed 26 are shown. Tilt frame 24 allows transfer bed 26 andcargo 28 to be transferred to and from vehicle chassis 18 a withoutexceeding the spatial envelope. Tilt frame 24 may include tilt frametrolley 24 a (also see FIGS. 14-15) that may travel on tilt frame tracks24 b. Trolley 24 a may be moved on tracks 24 b using tilt frame motor 24d, chain 24 e, first gear 24 f, and second gear 24 g. Meshing wheel 32(also see FIGS. 11-15) may be secured to trolley 24 a using conventionalfasteners, such as bolts. Motor 24 d provides a motive force which iscommunicated to trolley 24 a via chain 24 e, first gear 24 f and secondgear 24 g. As trolley 24 a travels on the upper surface 24 k of tiltframe 24, the transfer bed 26, to which trolley 24 a is secured, movesonto, or off of, tilt frame 24.

Transfer bed 26 allows cargo 28 to be transferred to and from aircraft10 without exceeding the spatial envelope, and allows for cargo 28 to betransferred at the same level as loading ramp 10 b. Transfer bed 26 mayinclude transfer bed trolley 26 b that may travel on transfer bed tracks26 c. Trolley 26 b may be moved on tracks 26 c using transfer bed motor26 f, chain 26 h, third gear 26 k, and fourth gear 26 m. Motor 26 fprovides a motive force which is communicated to trolley 26 b via chain26 h, third gear 26 k, and fourth gear 26 m. When loaded, movement oftrolley 26 b towards tilt frame 24 results in movement of cargo 28toward tilt frame 24. Transfer bed end rollers 26 a allow for the smoothtransition of cargo between ground 12 and transfer bed 26. Transfer bed26 may also include imbedded retractable “roll on/roll off” rollers 26 rfor moving cargo 28 on the upper surface 26 n of transfer bed 26.Transfer bed imbedded rollers 26 r may also allow for the smoothtransition of cargo between ramp 10 b and transfer bed 26. Transfer bed26 may also include screw-down twist or tandem locks 26 t, as shown inFIG. 3, to interface with an ISO corner fitting, for securing cargo 28to the transfer bed 26.

In FIG. 3, it can be seen that adjustable carriage 34 may have a rearwheel 34 a on each end of axle 34 d. Although shown extended in FIGS. 2and 3, adjustable carriage may also be retracted under transfer bed 26when cargo 28 is being moved from ground 12 to transfer bed 26 (see FIG.10). Control panel 40 may provide controls for operating tilt framemotor 24 d, transfer bed motor 26 f, and adjustable carriage 34. Aremote wireless control (not shown) may also be used to operate thetransferring system 20.

Rapid Attach Device

FIGS. 5-10 show a preferred mechanism, Rapid Attach™ container interface(RACI) 50, for quickly connecting and disconnecting cargo 28 to the rearof transfer bed 26 so that cargo 28 may be moved, for example fromground 12 to transfer bed 26. In short, RACI 50 enables corner fittings28 b (FIG. 6A) of shipping container 28 a, or other cargo 28, to bequickly attached to transfer bed 26. Corner fittings 28 b may be asspecified by the American National Standards Institute/InternationalOrganization for Standardization (ANSI/ISO). Such fittings are availablefrom suppliers such as Tandemloc, Inc., of Havelock, N.C., and are knownto those having ordinary skill in the art.

RACI 50 may include a bracket 72 (FIG. 8) that provides an attachmentpoint for the use of straps 70 to load container 28 a onto transfer bed26. Straps 70 may be made of nylon (e.g., 3-ply or 4-ply) or anotherstrong, yet flexible, material. Due to its design and construction, ithas been found that RACI 50 may be attached and locked to the shippingcontainer in less than ten seconds, and each mechanism of a pair mayweigh only about 35-40 pounds.

FIG. 5 shows RACI 50 in an open position. RACI 50 may include firstplate 52, second plate 54, first bar 56, first sleeve 56 a, second bar58, second sleeve 58 a, RACI wheel 60, first pin 62, second pin 64,brace 66 and fitting insert 70. Fitting insert 70 and second pin 64 aredesigned to conform to the generally oval apertures of corner fitting 28b (see FIGS. 6A and 6B).

First plate 52 may include several apertures, including first aperture52 a, bracket aperture 52 b, an aperture in which first sleeve 56 may beaffixed, an aperture in which second sleeve 58 may be affixed, anaperture configured for supporting RACI wheel 60, and a pin aperture 52c. Pin aperture 52 c is located on an insert portion 52 d of plate 52.Pin aperture 52 c is configured to accept second pin 64 when RACI 50 isclosed.

First plate 52 may be constructed from a variety of materials, such asbut not limited to, high tensile steel such as ASTM A514B. First plate52 may be machined to include the features described herein. Flat platesmay be laser cut, while pins are cast or stock materials. First plate 52may be constructed from materials, and constructed in a manner, toprovide sufficient structure integrity to perform the operationsdescribed herein.

Second plate 54 may include carrying aperture 54 a, an aperture in whichfirst bar 56 may be affixed, an aperture in which second bar 58 may beaffixed, and an aperture in which second pin 64 may be affixed. Secondplate 54 may be constructed from similar materials, and in a similarmanner, as described above in regard to first plate 52.

First bar 56 may be attached to second plate 54 on a first end, whilethe second end is configured to adjustably slide within and/or throughfirst sleeve 56 a and first plate 54. Bar 56 may be formed from stockround materials, such as but not limited to ASTM A 108, C-1045cold-drawn bar, milled to shape as shown and described herein, andprovided with a chamfered machined end. Of course, for mass productionpurposes, tooling and steel casting of parts may be done. First bar 56may inserted through an aperture in second plate 54, and welded inplace, for example.

Using similar principles, second bar 58 may be attached to second plate54 on a first end, while the second end is configured to adjustablyslide within and/or through second sleeve 58 a and first plate 54.Second bar 58 may include a plurality of apertures configured to acceptfirst pin 62. Second bar 58 may be constructed from similar materials,and in a similar manner, as described above in regard to first bar 56.Second bar 58 may also be attached to second plate 54 in a mannersimilar to that described above for first bar 56.

First pin 62 may pass through second sleeve 58 a and the plurality ofapertures of second bar 58. First pin 62 may be configured to provide asecure fit in order to maximize the structural integrity of RACI 50 whenRACI is subject to the stresses associated with the operation of RACI 50as described below.

Brace 66, which may be cold drawn, may be configured to lie flushagainst shipping container 28 a during the operation of RACI 50, asdescribed below, in order to provide lateral stability. Brace 66 may beattached to first plate 52 by welding, for example. Brace 66 may be usedto keep RACI 50 from rotating vertically.

RACI wheel 60 (FIG. 5) may be configured, and attached to first plate52, in a manner that provides sufficient mechanical integrity to supportRACI 50, and cargo 28, in the operation of RACI 50 as described below.RACI wheel 60, which may be steamed and hardened bar stock, should bemade so that the bolt head is counter-sunk and flush with the edge andrecessed into the roller, so that it does not rub on the roller bedtracks 26 c (FIG. 4) or other portions of the transfer system 20.

Second pin 64 is configured to allow an end portion to pass through afirst aperture 28 c (FIG. 6A) on corner fitting 28 b when RACI 50 isclosed. Insert portion 52 d is designed to pass through a secondaperture 28 d (FIG. 6B) on corner fitting 28 b when RACI 50 is closed.When the RACI 50 is closed on a corner fitting 28 b, second pin 64 mateswith insert portion 52 d of first plate 52 in the internal hollowportion of the corner fitting 28 h.

One preferred method of operating RACI 50 is now described in referenceto FIGS. 5-10. In one step, the RACI 50 is placed near corner fitting 28b of container 28 a. RACI 50 is placed near corner fitting 28 b in anopen position, such as the open position shown in FIGS. 5, 6A and 6C.Insert portion 52 d of first plate 52 is inserted into the secondaperture 28 d of corner fitting 28 b, with RACI wheel 60 oriented towardground 12, and second pin 64 in line with first aperture 2 k of cornerfitting 28 b, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6C.

In another step, RACI 50 is closed by applying a force on second plate54 towards cargo 28, as shown by arrows 68 in FIGS. 6A and 6B, The forcemay be applied to second plate 54 through carrying aperture 54 a and/orvia the exterior surface of second plate 54. The force applied to secondplate 54 results in first bar 56 and second bar 58 passing,respectively, through first sleeve 56 a and second sleeve 58 a, andresults in second plate 54 moving towards first plate 52. The force isapplied until an end portion 64 a of second pin 64 enters first aperture28 c of corner fitting 28 b and mates in aperture 52 c.

In another step, RACI 50 is locked in place. RACI 50 may be locked byplacing first pin 62 through second sleeve 58 a and one of the pluralityof apertures (not shown) of second bar 58 as shown in FIG. 7A. FIGS. 7Aand 7B show RACI 50 in a closed and locked position.

In another step, bracket 72 is attached to RACI 50 through bracketaperture 52 b as shown in FIG. 8. In another step, strap 70 is attachedto transfer bed trolley 26 b (FIGS. 3 and 4) and bracket 72. In anotherstep, cargo container 28 b is moved when transfer bed trolley 26 b pullson strap 70, resulting in a force being applied to bracket 72, and thento RACI 50, resulting in a force being applied to container cargo 28 b.

In another step, cargo container is pulled onto the upper surface 26 nof transfer bed 26. As shown in FIGS. 6C and 8, first plate 52 mayinclude a sloped surface 52 f to allow RACI 50 to easily pass to uppersurface 26 n after passing over rollers 26 a. As a pulling force isapplied to strap 70, sloped surface 52 f comes in contact with rollers26 a of transfer bed 26. Further pulling on straps 70 results in RACI 50traveling over roller 26 a and onto the upper surface 26 n of transferbed 26.

Meshing Wheel Device

FIGS. 11-15 show a preferred mechanism, a meshing wheel 32 and tiltframe trolley 24 a, for pivotally connecting transfer bed 26 to tiltframe 24, and moving transfer bed 26 in relationship to tilt frame 24.Trolley 24 a and meshing wheel 32 enable transfer bed 26 to be loweredfrom tilt frame 24 in a flexible manner that allows for the efficientloading of cargo 28 onto transfer bed 26 and chassis 18 a, whether cargo28 is on the ground 12 or on loading ramp 10 b.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 through 13B, meshing wheel 32 may includemounting plate 32 a, mounting apertures 32 b, mounting risers 32 c,arcing table 32 d, table supports 32 e, pin 32 f, pin nut 32 g, securingplates 32 h, and grease fittings 32 m. Mounting plate 32 a and apertures32 b may be used to secure meshing wheel 32 to tilt frame trolley 24 a(FIG. 12) using conventional fastening methods, such as but not limitedto nuts and bolts. For example, meshing wheel 32 may be mounted ontrolley 24 a in a variety of ways such as, but not limited to, placingfour (4) bolts, for example grade eight (8) bolts, through mountingapertures 32 b and trolley 24 a, and securing the bolts with compatiblenuts.

Mounting risers 32 c and table supports 32 e may be interlaced (shown inFIGS. 11 and 13A) and pivotally affixed with securing plates 32 h, inorder to create a rocking axle shown by dashed line 80 (FIG. 12),allowing in-line movement of arcing table 32 d (as shown by arrow 82) inrelation to mounting plate 32 a. Pin 32 f and pin nut 32 g may be usedto secure meshing wheel 32 to transfer bed 26 (FIG. 13B). Thus, transferbed 26 may be mounted on tilt frame trolley 24 a by passing pin 32 fthrough transfer bed 26 and placing pin nut 32 g on pin 32 f.

Arcing table 32 d includes meshing surface 32 k. Transfer bed includesmeshing surface 26 q (FIG. 13A). Meshing surfaces 32 k and 26 q allowthe transfer bed 26 to move laterally, as shown by arrow 84 in FIG. 4,in conjunction with the inline movement permitted by rocking axle 80.Grease fittings 32 m allow grease to be placed between the meshingsurfaces 32 k and 26 q.

Referring to FIG. 12, tilt frame trolley 24 a may include side plates 24c. Side plates 24 c may be configured to follow tilt frame trolleytracks 24 b (FIG. 3). Tilt frame trolley 24 a is also connected to chain24 e (FIG. 3) using a master link or any convenient method for affixingthe chain 24 e to the tilt frame trolley 24 a in a manner that allowstilt frame trolley 24 a to be moved along tracks 24 b using motor 24 d(FIGS. 3 and 4). Thus, a first end 26 d of transfer bed 26 may be movedon tracks 24 h between the ends of tilt frame 24 using motor 24 d.

The transfer system 20 may also include a quick detach system forrapidly disengaging the transfer bed 26 from the vehicle chassis 18 a,such as by using a quick-disconnect, pull-pin (not shown).

The arrangement described herein allows transfer bed 26 to pivot in atleast two manners. The first manner in which transfer bed 26 may pivotis inline with chassis 18 a as arcing table 32 d pivots in line withchassis 18 a and mounting plate 32 a as transfer bed 26 is raised orlowered on the upper surface 24 k of tilting frame 24, i.e., transferbed 26 may pivot upon the rocking axle shown by dashed line 80 (FIG.12). The second manner in which transfer bed 26 may pivot is thattransfer bed 26 may pivot in the lateral directions indicated by arrow84 in FIG. 4, i.e., transfer bed 26 may pivot upon an axis defined bypin 86.

FIGS. 14 and 15 show the movement of tilt frame trolley 24 a on tiltframe 24. In FIG. 14, trolley 24 a is located near a distal end (fromthe cab of vehicle 18) of tilt frame 24. In FIG. 15, trolley is locatedcloser to the cab of vehicle 18. Trolley 24 a moves from the positionshown in FIG. 14 to, and from, the position shown in FIG. 15, throughthe movement of chain 24 e about first gear 24 f (FIG. 3) and secondgear 24 g (FIGS. 4, 14 and 15). As chain 24 e moves, trolley 24 a movesalong tracks 24 b.

Pintle Device

FIGS. 16A and 16B show a preferred mechanism, a pintle device 90, fortowing a trailer. Pintle device 90 may be retractable as shown by arrow98. Pintle device 90 may be retractable, at least in part, to minimizeinterference while transfer bed 26 is being lowered from tilt frame 24and while transfer bed 26 is positioned for transferring cargo 28, suchas shown in FIG. 18A.

Pintle device 90 may include loop 92, plate 94, and hinged support 96.Hinged support 96 allows pintle device 90 to be folded into transfer bed26 such that hinged support 96 is flush with the bottom surface oftransfer bed 26, and held in place with a removable pin. It may also beconvenient to locate the pintle hook 90 so that it is integrated intothe rear stabilizers, and so that it is both retractable andtelescoping.

System Operation

Referring now to FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C, one preferred method ofpracticing the invention is described hi sequential views. FIG. 17Ashows cargo 28 on transfer bed 26. In FIG. 17A, transfer bed 26 ishorizontal. as it might be after receiving cargo 28 from loading ramp 10b (FIGS. 1 and 2) where transfer bed 26 is level with loading ramp 10 b.FIG. 17B shows transfer bed 26 with cargo 28 being moved from a positionlevel with loading ramp 10 b to a position on tilt frame 24 and chassis18 a. FIG. 17C shows cargo 28, transfer bed, and tilt frame 24 onchassis 18 a.

In operation, vehicle 18 (FIG. 1), equipped with transferring system 20,may approach the rear of aircraft 10. Loading ramp 10 b may be loweredto access cargo 28 in cargo bay 10 a (FIG. 2). Vehicle 18 may stop at adistance from loading ramp 10 b such that space is allowed for transferbed 26 to extend between tilt frame 24 and loading ramp 10 b.

Cargo 28 may be moved onto transfer bed 26 in a number of manners. Inthe case where cargo 28 is a vehicle, the vehicle may be driven on totransfer bed 26. In the case where cargo is a container 28 a, container28 a may be pushed on imbedded rollers, including transfer bed imbeddedrollers 26 r, from cargo bay 10 a to the upper surface 26 n of transferbed 26. Containers 28 a may also be moved using RACI 50 and transfer bedtrolley 26 b. In FIG. 17A, cargo 28 is shown secured using RACI 50attached to trolley 26 b. Cargo may also be secured using ISO cornerfitting twist locks 26 t (FIG. 3). Motor 26 g may used to pull cargo 28through trolley 26 b, strap 70, and RACI 50. In FIG. 17A, tilt frametrolley 24 a is shown at the distal end of tilt frame 24, while cylinder30 is extended causing tilt frame 24 to pivot on chassis 18 a.

FIG. 17B shows transfer bed 26 and cargo 28 being pulled onto tilt frame24. As tilt frame motor 24 d pulls tilt frame trolley 24 a toward theproximate end of tilt frame 24, meshing wheel 32 pivots, in-line andlaterally as required by the circumstances, in order to align transferbed 26 with tilt frame 24. As transfer bed 26 moves toward the proximateend of tilt frame 24, adjustable carriage 34 adjusts and eventuallyretracts as shown in FIG. 17C.

FIG. 17C shows tilt frame 24 and transfer bed 26 lying horizontally onchassis 18 a. Adjustable carriage 34 has collapsed such that rear wheels34 a are raised in order to avoid interference with the movement ofvehicle 18. Cylinder 30 has also retracted as tilt frame 24 moved fromthe pivoted position shown in FIG. 17B to the horizontal position shownin FIG. 17C.

In one preferred embodiment, the invention provides a device fortransporting cargo 28 between an aircraft 10 and a land-based vehicle 18having a vehicle chassis 18 a. The invention may include a pivoting tiltframe 24 supported by vehicle chassis 18 a and transfer bed 26. Transferbed 26 is pivotally connected at a first end 26 d, to the tilt frame 24and has a second, or distal, end in engaged communication with loadingramp 10 b of aircraft 10. This permits cargo 28 from aircraft 10 to bereceived by the transfer bed 26, and also permits cargo 28 to betransported from transfer bed 26 into the loading compartment ofaircraft 10. in the preferred embodiment shown, the transfer bed 26 hasan upper surface 26 n on which cargo 28 rests, and the upper surface 26n of transfer bed 26 is capable of selective height adjustment relativeto the ground 12. Selective height adjustment may be provided byadjustable carriage 34, as described above.

Referring now to FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C and 18D, another preferred methodof practicing the invention is described in sequential views. FIG. 18Ashows cargo 28 on the ground 12 to the rear of the transfer system 20with the RACI 50 attached to the cargo 28. In FIG. 18A, transfer bed 26is angled as it might in anticipation of receiving cargo 28 located onthe ground 12. FIG. 18B shows cargo 28 being moved onto the transfer bed26. FIG. 18C shows the cargo 28 partially on the transfer bed 26. FIG.18D shows the cargo 28 on the transfer bed 26.

It should by now be appreciated that various alternative mechanismsand/or modifications to the above-referenced designs may be made whilestill keeping within the principles of the various inventions describedhere, examples of which will now be discussed. Durable, flip-away guiderollers (not shown) may be used to facilitate guiding the load onto thecargo bed. Lanyards (small metal cables) may be used on pins to retainthe pins. Storage boxes may be added as needed. Because the loadingdevice may be used in exigent circumstances, it may be desirable to tiltframe 24 and/or transfer bed 26 so that they may be quickly jettisonedif necessary, such as by employing quick-detach pins and/orquick-disconnect hoses. Chains, such as chain 24 e and chain 26 h, maybe provided with a self-cleaning wiper system (not shown). A perforateddeck may be employed to limit weight. Lighting may be incorporated intothe bed, using protective pockets for example. One or more sets ofcontrols may be located not just in the vehicle cab but also, forexample, just behind the tilt pivot point, on each side of the unit(preferably integrated into the bed and protected).

The above description is not intended to limit the meaning of the wordsused in the following claims that define the invention. Other systems,methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be, orwill become, apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the foregoing drawings, written description and claims,and persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a varietyof other designs still falling within the scope of the following claimsmay be envisioned and used. For example, RACI 50 may be linked togetherby a brace, bar, rope or any other means, so that the linked pairs maybe secured to two corner fittings 28 b. It is contemplated that these orother future modifications in structure, function or result will existthat are not substantial changes and that all such insubstantial changesin what is claimed are intended to be covered by the claims.

1. A method of transferring cargo between a vehicle having a chassis and a cab, and a loading ramp of varying height capable of receiving and dispatching cargo, the method comprising the steps of: providing a loading and unloading device having: a tilt frame pivotally engaged to the vehicle chassis, the tilt frame including a first end located near the cab of the vehicle chassis and capable of being raised away from the vehicle chassis, and a second end distal from the cab; and a transfer bed capable of adjusting to varying heights, the transfer bed including a first end adjacent to the tilt frame and a second end adjacent to the loading ramp, wherein the tilt frame includes means for facilitating movement of the transfer bed along the tilt frame; leveling the transfer bed at varying heights without changing the height of the vehicle chassis by varying both of: the height of the first end of the transfer bed by moving it along an upper surface of the tilt frame; and the height of a carriage configured to support the second end of the transfer bed; loading the cargo from the loading ramp onto the second end of the transfer bed; pulling the transfer bed onto the tilt frame using the means for facilitating movement of the transfer bed along the tilt frame; and lowering the tilt frame.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the cargo loaded onto the transfer bed comes from an aft-loaded aircraft having a confining spatial envelope defined by a rear end of the aircraft, and wherein practicing the method does not require movement outside the spatial envelope when the tilt frame is raised and the adjustable carriage supports the second end of the transfer bed which is in engaged communication with the loading ramp.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising a trolley moveable along the tilt frame, and wherein the step of leveling the transfer bed includes moving the trolley from near the first end of the tilt frame to near the second end of the tilt frame.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the transfer bed is connected to the tilt frame with a meshing wheel for permitting lateral and inline movement of the transfer bed in relation to the tilt frame.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of laterally moving the transfer bed in relation to the tilt frame.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising a trolley moveable along the tilt frame, and wherein the step of loading the cargo onto the transfer bed includes moving the trolley from near the second end of the transfer bed to near the first end of the transfer bed.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the carriage includes a plurality of wheels, and further including the step of adjusting the height of the carriage by independently adjusting the distance between the plurality of wheels and the transfer bed.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the means for facilitating movement of the transfer bed along the tilt frame comprises a trolley movable along the tilt frame.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the means for facilitating movement of the transfer bed along the tilt frame comprises a meshing wheel connecting the transfer bed to the tilt frame. 